SME Business Solutions Newsletter

SME Newsletter No. 34

Being Your own Boss is Preferred
Research by Vodaphone has highlighted the desire of many of the working population to work for themselves.  Some 12% of the UK’s workforce has already started their own business and it is predicted that this number will continue to grow.

The report was published in the The Scotsman.

Low Awareness of Age Discrimination Law Changes amongst SME’s
KPMG has reported that 37% of firms in the North East of England have not updated their policies on age discrimination following the recent changes in law.

Paul Moran, a director of KPMG Newcastle, states “The survey results indicate that while a good proportion of SMEs are aware of the weekend's regulatory changes, many are yet to achieve compliance.

"It is important that companies ensure they are in line with these regulations if they want to recruit and retain good people, and of course because discrimination compensation claims can be very damaging, particularly for small businesses.

"However, size is no protection against discrimination claims and employment rights relate to all employees.”

SME’s and Payment by Credit Cards
Many businesses selling to the end customer now offer payment by credit or debit card.  For those businesses not yet offering such an option should be aware that last year 60% of all UK High Street sales were paid for on plastic compared with 41% in 2001.

It is predicted that payment card spending will rise to £639billion in 2010.

Google Documents and Spreadsheets
The business owner who wants to use FREE documents and spreadsheets should check out http://spreadsheets.google.com  

 
Computer Crime
GetSafeOnLine have published a recent report that indicates ‘People are more worried about criminals breaking in through their computer than burglars breaking in through their doors and windows.’   Read more.